Part V · Care
Diagnosing: think before you fix
A yellow leaf is not automatically a deficiency. Always start with what you can measure.
- Observesymptom, where, since when
- Measureflow, level, pH, EC, temp.
- Understandone likely cause
- Fixonly one variable
- Write it downwhat was done
| Symptom | Check first | Logical action |
|---|---|---|
| Wilted plants | Pump, flow rate, water level, roots | Restore the water before any nutrient correction |
| EC too high | Water level, evaporation, dosing | Dilute gradually with suitable water |
| EC too low | Dosing, uptake, leak | Add diluted nutrients following your protocol |
| pH rising fast | Water alkalinity, reservoir volume | Test the water; correct gradually |
| Algae | Light in reservoir / channels | Make them opaque; clean |
| Brown roots / odor | Temperature, oxygen, disease | Isolate if possible; clean; diagnose |
| Low flow | Filter, pump, roots, tubing | Unclog and measure the flow rate |
| Uneven growth in NFT | Slope, flow per channel, light | Reset the slope, balance the lines |
| Pump stopped | Power, impeller, intake strainer | Install the backup pump immediately |
Need a second opinion? Post in the Diagnosis category of the forum, with a photo, your system, pH, EC, water temperature and flow rate.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my hydroponic plants wilting?
Check the water first: pump stopped, insufficient flow, water level too low or clogged roots. Restore circulation before touching the nutrients.
Why are my hydroponic roots turning brown?
Often a lack of oxygen, water that is too warm, or root rot such as Pythium. Isolate the batch, clean the system, and check temperature and aeration.
